Hearing Set in Challenge to Arkansa’s Gay Marriage Ban

Advocates of ending Arkansas’ ban on same-sex marriage are to make their case before a circuit judge in Pulaski County.

More than three dozen people are listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Circuit Judge Chris Piazza is to preside over the hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday in Little Rock.

Late last year, Piazza refused to grant a motion by the state that sought to dismiss the lawsuit, but he also refused to grant a motion by the couples suing, who asked him to block enforcement of the ban.

The plaintiffs include 21 same-sex couples and a woman who wants to dissolve her New York marriage to another woman.

Voters passed a 2004 constitutional amendment stipulating marriage is between one man and one woman.

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